The Crucible by Arthur Miller

John Crenshaw

Ms. Jackie

Period 2

December 20, 2017

The Crucible Essay

The Crucible, written in 1952 by Arthur Miller, tells a story of the Salem Witch Trials that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. During the trials, residents of Salem were tested through the “Witch Test”. Innocent people were convicted of being “witches” and hanged for it. Some, on the other hand, fought through the tests and trials and resisted. If you confessed, you were sent to jail. If not, you hung. The Crucible is essentially about courage, weakness, and truth.

First and foremost, John Proctor is the most courageous character there is. He is put through several emotional challenges and is a strong, relentless fighter. Also, he is the only one who has the strength to stand up to Reverend Hale. “I have confessed myself! Is there a new good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough” (4.4.211)!

He also confesses to an entire courtroom about having an affair with Abigail; to save his wife's life. He chose to be hung instead of living in humiliation with his name posted on the church door; so his three children would not have to be constantly reminded of the sin their father committed.

Abigail Williams seemingly causes trouble everywhere she goes. Although she is only a teenager, she uses her power and attitude to manipulate people into believing her shenanigans. In the work, Abigail threatens to punish her friends if they tell anyone about what happened in the woods.

Now look at you. All of you. We danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam's dead sisters. And that is all. And mark this. Let either of you breathe